2012-13 boys basketball players to watch

A three-year starter, Booth's greatest contribution to the Gaels' success is his ability and willingness to do whatever is necessary to get the win. It could be a big blocked shot late in one game and a couple big free throws or a clutch rebound in the next. Last season, he averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists and was picked for the All-Metro second team.

John Crosby

Poly, guard, junior

Few players in the Baltimore area did more for their team last season than the 6-foot-3 guard, who led the Engineers to a breakthrough season on which they are primed to build. Crosby can creatively score and distribute, averaging 15 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists as a sophomore, and his excitement for the game sets a huge tone for his teammates.

Rodney Elliott

John Carroll, guard, senior

The 6-1 combination guard brings a fundamentally sound skill set to both ends and jumps into a leadership role for the Patriots this season. He averaged 11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2 steals per game last season. His calm demeanor and ability to impact games in a variety of ways will play a big part in the team's success.

Myrek Lee-Fowlkes

Edmondson, forward, senior

One of the area's toughest defenders, the Patterson transfer and All-Metro second-team pick brings championship experience to the Red Storm after playing an instrumental role in the Clippers' Class 3A title team last season. Lee-Fowlkes, who averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds last season, is unlikely to start the season after suffering a broken leg during the summer.

Gavin McTavish

South Carroll, forward, senior

The versatile 6-6 All-Metro first-team selection brings a complete game to the floor, and with the ability to score inside and from the perimeter, he is a matchup nightmare for opponents. In leading the Carroll County champion Cavaliers to the Class 2A state semifinals last season, he averaged 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals.

Daxter Miles

Dunbar, guard, senior

After averaging 20 points per game during his junior season at IMG Academy in Florida, Miles returns as the area's most explosive newcomer. Formerly at Archbishop Curley, the 6-2 standout immediately becomes the Poets' first option with an ability to hit the 3-pointer or sky above the rim.

Earl Potts

Archbishop Spalding, forward, senior

An impact player at both ends, the 6-5 forward is primed to take on the lead role for the Cavaliers in his third year as a starter. Potts has 3-point range and can also attack the basket, averaging 15 points to go with 8 rebounds last season. Defensively, his size and athleticism enable him to defend guards and forwards, and he's always altering shots.

Warren Powers

Glenelg Country, guard, senior

The 6-5 guard has been a model of consistency for the Dragons during the past two seasons, averaging 16 points and 9 rebounds per game in each season. Powers can score from the outside, drive to the basket or post up down low to score points. He's also a force on the offensive boards and produces points on follow baskets.

Tevon Saddler

St. Frances, guard-forward, senior

The Panthers are relying on Saddler to make a positive impact all over the court. The 6-5 standout, who averaged 14 points last season, will see time at both backcourt and forward positions to create mismatch problems. In addition to his sound inside-outside game on offense, Saddler sets the tone with strong defense and leadership. He has signed with UNC-Greensboro.

Delazso Smith

Annapolis, guard, senior

Primarily a scorer early in his career, Smith has developed into a complete player who is expected to bring leadership, smart decisions and tough defense in the Panthers' backcourt. With the ability to hit 3-pointers and also get to the basket, he averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds last season.

Darius Walker

Edmondson, guard, senior

The All-Metro first-team pick, in his third year on varsity, brings leadership, toughness and versatile skills to the Red Storm's talented backcourt. In his breakthrough junior season, his inside-outside game produced 21 points per game to go with an average of 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Walker makes an equally important impact on defense.

Kameron Williams

Mount St. Joseph, guard, senior

An All-Metro first-team selection and the Baltimore Catholic League's Player of the Year as a junior, Williams brings uncanny scoring ability, all-around skills and the confidence to want the ball when the game is on the line. He produced in those situations in leading the Gaels to the BCL championship, averaging 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists last season.